Archive for Savon de Marseille Soap

A natural choice of gifts for ‘Papa’ this Father’s day
May 30, 2022

Caring-handsFather’s Day is on Sunday 19 June this year and it’s the perfect opportunity to show your papa just how much you love and appreciate him.

We’ve put together four fantastic gift sets containing a handpicked selection of our gorgeous French market soaps, as well as some of our eco-friendly and plastic-free accessories, hand picked for that lovingly luxurious gift.

Caring Hands gift set for £11.25 – Clean up with this vegan wood and sisal nail brush and Marine French market soap with a scent as fresh as the ocean.

hand-body-luxuryRefreshing Choice gift set for £13 – Give your dad a taste of the good life with six French market guest soaps packed with masculine appeal.

Hands & Body Luxury gift set for £17 – with two wonderfully fragrant and moisturising French soaps, natural sisal soap bag and wood nail brush to complete top to toe cleansing

Natural Cleansing gift set for £24.40 – this is the big one containing two French market soaps, rustic soap on a rope, vegan wood nailbrush and Lava Pumice stone. The ultimate indulgence for your dear papa!

natural-cleansingWhether your dad is a traditional chap or a well-groomed guy, you can’t go wrong with one of our great gifts this Father’s Day. So, go on, shower him with love and order your gift today. And if you need any more information or advice, please get in touch with Katie now on 07867 486402 or email info@frenchsoapstore.co.uk and she’ll be delighted to help.

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Say “Je t’aime” this Valentine’s Day with a natural French soap gift box
January 10, 2022

Valentine's-DayShopping for the one you love? Then why not pamper them this Valentine’s Day with our fragrant natural French soaps handcrafted in Provence.

Our range of beautiful Valentine gift boxes is sure to suit every soap lover. You could pick a calming classic Lavender collection… or give the gift of TLC in our extra gentle soap collection. Or treat yourself too with the Sharing soap gift box!

There’s a thoughtful gift box of our most ultra-gentle natural French soaps to treat someone with sensitive skin; which includes Savon de Marseille and hydrating donkey milk soaps as well as a set of French soap bars to share and a box of all our cute and creamy French gift soaps. We’ve even tailored a box of French market soaps we think the men in our lives Sharing-gift-boxwill particularly love.

And finally, there’s our personal selection gift box giving you the opportunity to choose the fragrances that are personal to the one you love.

Whichever you choose, you can feel good knowing that all our handcrafted French soaps are triple-milled and enriched to create a divinely velvety lather to soften the skin. And they’re beautifully packaged in a recycled box too.

Plus, don’t forget if you spend £20 or more we’ll include a FREE heart gift soap and a FREE handcrafted, heart-shaped rustic soap dish made from real slate.

So come and discover our wonderful natural French soap gifts boxes for Valentine’s Day – Shop Now>

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Christmas is coming to the French Soap Store
September 15, 2021

We’re putting the finishing touches to our festive soap bar gift sets and starting to feel all Christmassy here at the French Soap Store. We’ve got some fabulous treats in store for you!

Have you started planning your gift list yet? Our traditional French soap bars will make perfect presents to give your loved ones, friends, colleagues and neighbours.

Here are eight reasons to give our natural French bar soap gifts this Christmas.

Natural-French-soap1. Our handcrafted soap is 100% natural.

Our traditional, handcrafted soap bars contain no worrying chemicals, artificial ingredients or fillers; just skin-loving oils, therapeutic plant-based ingredients and sublime natural aromatic extracts. (Read more: What is natural soap and why should you use it?)

2. High quality bar soap is a luxurious treat

There’s something truly pleasurable about using a fresh bar of pure traditionally made soap with its uplifting fragrance and the feeling of the creamy nourishing lather it creates on contact with water. Our traditional handcrafted soaps from Provence are a real delight for the senses.

Plastic free July3. Our soap bars are eco-friendly

Our natural French soap bars are sustainable, entirely plastic free and kind to the planet. Handcrafted from natural ingredients in the traditional way, with no unnecessary waste, the solid soap bars are a perfect gift for anyone who wants to cut back on all the single-use plastic in their bathroom. (Read more: Three top reasons to switch to solid natural soap bars).

4. Natural French soap is a useful gift

Traditionally-made natural French soap is a thoughtful, original gift that will be well-received, especially as everyone is handwashing more frequently these days. Our soap bars are so gentle, attractive and deliciously-scented they are guaranteed to be used and enjoyed.

5. We have soap bar gifts for every budget and every body

Our natural and sustainable French market gift soaps are the perfect size for stylish stocking fillers and little treats; while our luxury sets of different soap bars are the ultimate pampering treat for someone special.

6. Natural solid soap is a gift that keeps on giving

Our traditional French market soaps don’t just look and smell gorgeous, they last a lot longer than ordinary, mass produced soaps. The organic shea butter in many of our soaps gives the bars extra structure and longevity too.

7. You’ll be supporting traditional artisan soap makers

By choosing our natural French soaps you’ll be supporting traditional artisan soap makers in Provence, who operate small businesses like ours. You’ll also be buying something made with loving care and passion using centuries-old ancient and natural processing methods.

Gift-box8. Have your soap bar gifts delivered for you

Simply order your natural soap bars here online and we’ll arrange the delivery for you. There’s no better way to delight friends, family and relatives than by surprising them with a gift of traditional French soaps sent straight to their door. It shows that even far away, you’re still thinking about them and sending loving thoughts and wishes.

Christmas is the perfect opportunity to introduce your friends and family to all the benefits of natural solid soaps traditionally handmade by artisans in Provence. We look forward to bringing you all our festive gift ideas soon.

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French-soap-storeCome and see us…

We are going to be at some magical Christmas fairs and craft markets this year. Check back to this blog to find out where we’ll be and do come and visit us, it will be lovely to meet you. We’re really excited at the prospect of setting up our stall again with all our fabulous French market soap bars, guest soaps and festive gift sets.

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Loxwood Village Fete success!
August 23, 2021

French market soapsWe just wanted to say a very BIG thank you to everyone who came on Saturday and supported the Loxwood Village Fete, and to all who bought some of our fabulous French soaps!

Our stall had all the usual goodies including our natural French and market soaps, gift and guest soaps and Écolier oval soap bars.

We were delighted to see everyone stocking up and the weather was kind to us too!

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Loxwood village fete and fun dog show
August 13, 2021

Loxwood village feteThe French Soap Store is delighted to announce that we will have a stand at our local village fete in Loxwood on Saturday, August the 21st from 11 am until 4 pm.

This family affair includes events such as a Fun Dog Show, Children’s Races, Punch & Judy, Magic Show, Bouncy Castle, Slinfold Concert Band, The North Singers, Face Painting as well as an excellent selection of stalls, Tombola, Grand Draw, Licensed Bar, Barbecue, Teas and many other attractions.

Our stand will include all the usual favourites French market soaps, organic donkey milk soaps and exfoliating soap bars, all of which can be purchased, 4 for £12. Our fabulous 240g soap on a rope (Savon de l’écolier) has a special offer, buy 3 and get a free 60g French guest soap. Plus sensational summer offermany more …

So put the date in your diary and come and enjoy the fun!

If you can’t get there just remember there is still our sizzling summer offer of 15% off any combination of our fabulous natural French soaps, but hurry this offer ends soon!

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#PlasticFreeJuly: switch to natural soap bars
July 1, 2021

#PlasticFreeJulyAre you taking part in #PlasticFreeJuly this year? Switching to our natural solid soap bars is a great way to reduce plastic waste.

Plastic Free July is a global annual campaign which encourages people to cut down on single use plastic and help to protect the planet.

The problem is even everyday tasks, like washing our hands, our hair or our home, can use numerous plastic bottles of shower gel, liquid soap, shampoo and detergent. That adds up to a lot of plastic, especially if you’re part of a large family.

So, how can you use less plastic? One simple step is to simply replace your plastic products with solid bars of soap, like the natural soap bars we stock here at the French Soap Store.

Our natural French zero-waste soaps are free from plastic and chemicals, which makes them better for the environment and better for your skin too.

Did you know you can shampoo with a solid bar of soap? Our organic solid French shampoo soap bars are the ideal plastic-free alternative to bottled shampoo. They last for ages too. Each one is chemical-free and handmade using nourishing natural oils.

You can clean just about everything with our traditional SAVON DE MARSEILLE. This handcrafted soap block is naturally anti-bacterial and can be used to clean everything from stone floors and delicate clothes. It’s so gentle on the skin, fabrics and the environment, we just add grated soap flakes directly to the wash.

Lose your bottle and choose solid soap

So, go on, take part in #PlasticFreeJuly and treat yourself to some natural plastic-free soap.

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Sensational Summer Offer!
June 24, 2021

sensational summer offerGet 15% off all our natural French soaps in our sensational summer offer!

Looking forward to the long hot summer days ahead? Then why not grab yourself a bargain in our super summer sale?

With 15% off your order of any combination of our fabulous natural French soaps, what’s not to like?!

Just add the code SUMMER15 at checkout and 15% of the total cost of your order will be deducted – it’s as simple as that.

But hurry as this offer is for a limited time only – a bit like our summer …

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Step into spring with our natural French soaps
April 9, 2021

At the French Soap Store we are getting into the spirit of spring! Blow those winter cobwebs away and embrace all this time of year has to offer with the natural vibrancy and richness of our wonderful fragrances available in our luxurious natural French soaps.

Natural-french-soapsGive your skin that much needed boost

During the long winter months our skin has had to endure harsh, freezing temperatures and dry, hot central heating and now needs some much deserved TLC. So why not treat yourself or a loved one to one of our range of cruelty-free, vegetal, organic donkey milk soap bars? Our Cherry blossom soap bar combines the scent of cherry blossom with soothing donkey milk creating the best combination to heal dry and cracked skin.

For hundreds of years, donkey milk soaps have been used to help those with skin conditions such as eczema, so if your skin is feeling a little sore from the cold winter months then this will help you to feel rejuvenated ready for getting out and about this spring.

French Soap on a Rope Lemon Rotating Wall-MountedUse our natural French soaps for a spring ‘makeover’

For a fresh scented room and a way of supporting the environment, use our citrus infused lemon soap on a rope and step towards a plastic free household this Spring. This handmade Savon écolier (school soap) complements any bathroom and makes the room smell wonderful too. The rope sits comfortably around your wrist making it easy to use and helps the soap to dry between uses, which makes it last much longer.

Spring, with Easter just past, is a time of the year that focuses on rebirth, so why not use this as an opportunity for change and start using one of our solid shampoo soap bars? Not only will your hair feel amazing, but these shampoo soap bars are plastic-free and a zero-waste alternative to bottled liquid shampoo which will help reduce your impact on the environment.

Bamboo-soap-dishWhy not upgrade your bathroom with more natural accessories such as our natural bamboo soap dish holder? The bamboo allows this unique design to create an optimum environment for your soap helping it to dry quickly after use. And makes it easier to clean too.

So step into spring with our wonderful range of natural French soaps that can be for everyday use and we also have a wide variety of gift boxes for any occasion. Why not take a look and get 15% off your first order!

If you can’t find what you are looking for or you want a special personalised spring selection of French soaps made up from our French soap range then please call Katie on 07867 486402 or email info@frenchsoapstore.co.uk, she will be delighted to help.

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Uses for Savon de Marseille French soap
March 31, 2021

Savon-de-Marseille-natural french soapAfter our last blog so many of you have been asking about Savon de Marseille French soap and its uses. So here are some top tips for getting the most from this great versatile French market soap.

Savon de Marseille soap is a firm favourite in our house, due to it being so pure and gentle, and it has natural anti-bacterial properties, which is also a bonus! We have found it lasts twice as long as ordinary soaps. It can be grated, shredded or blended to be used in different ways around the home, so is great value too.

Homemade laundry soap

To make homemade laundry soap*, grate a cup of Savon de Marseille French soap and melt this into about 3 to 4 litres of boiling water. Take it off the heat to cool slightly then add about half a cup of bicarbonate of soda, stirring well until the soap is dissolved. It should look milk-like in colour. Pour the milky liquid into an empty bottle and it’s ready to use. We recommend shaking the bottle before use. The bicarbonate of soda will act as a softening agent in the water and fight help get rid of odours. You can also add half a cup of vinegar to the mix as this will act as a fabric softener too.

Savon-de-Marseille-french-soap*Quantities are approximate and for guidance only as can be adjusted to personal preference.

For stains, you can use the Anti Stain Savon de Marseille soap (Savon Detachant) which is specifically for removing stubborn stains. Or you can use the traditional Savon de Marseille soap just by rubbing the cube when slightly damp onto the affected area. Let the garment dry and then wash it as normal. This artisan French soap can be used for most stains, and with four children this gets used a lot in my household!

Cleaning art brushes

For the artists out there Savon de Marseille Artisan French soap is great for cleaning your brushes! Add warm water to the circular indent in the soap cube and rub the brushes, et voilà, beautifully clean! It also works on make-up brushes using the same technique.

Pest control for your summer plants

artisan-french-soapI love this one! I am not very green-fingered in the garden but this tip is great to know as it can be used on all plants including edible ones such as fruit trees and grapevines as once they are rinsed the fruit is safe to eat. It has saved our lime tree many times! In a spray bottle pop in 2 tablespoons of grated Savon de Marseille Natural French soap and fill up with hot but not boiling water. Shake the bottle until you can see all the grated soap has dissolved, and you have a great safe eco-friendly anti-pest spray. The soapy liquid is best stored in a spray bottle rather than a watering can.

So our luxury French soaps, made in Marseille, Provence, can be used in a variety of ways other than washing your hands and body.

We have a wonderful range of natural French soaps that can be for everyday use and we also have a wide variety of gift boxes for any occasion. Why not take a look and get 15% off your first order!

If you can’t find what you are looking for or you want a personalised selection of French soaps made up from our French soap range then please call Katie on 07867 486402 or email info@frenchsoapstore.co.uk, she will be delighted to help.

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The History of Savon de Marseille
March 18, 2021

Savon-de-MarseilleSavon de Marseille, also known as Marseille soap, has been around for over 600 years and is a staple in many households. It is known as the world’s best soap and contains many incredible cleaning capabilities while using all-natural ingredients.

First produced in Marseille, France, this solid soap is made entirely from natural ingredients using vegetable oils as the primary substance. It is documented to have been first made in 1370 by soap maker Crescas Davin. In 1593, Georges Prunemoyr opened the first soap factory producing Savon de Marseille when the soap demand was growing. By the 17th century, seven factories produced around 20,000 tonnes of soap every year.

The element that made this unique to the region was the Mediterranean seawater, as the salt content helped proceed the correct consistency for the soap bar.

A variety of oils were used in the production of Savon de Marseille soap

As Marseille is a large port town in France, many oils and fats were traded, which influenced the soap’s critical ingredients. It was no longer just the locally produced olive oil, but oils such as sesame, peanut, and copra became popular ingredients. Soda ash was used as a binder and sometimes sea salt too.

Savon de Marseille Olive 300gKing Louis XIV valued this ancient soap so much that in the late 17th century, he introduced regulations in the Edict of Colbert, stating that any soaps named Savon de Marseille must only use olive oil and had to be made in the region of Marseille. This made a name for the soap and has given the soap its prestigious reputation across the globe. However, in more recent years, the ruling for production has changed, and other vegetable oils are allowed to be used in production. The soap has still kept to its name; however, allowing the introduction of other oils allows for more experimentation and varied products.

By the early 1900s, around 132 soap makers produced Savon de Marseille in France. François Merklen is known for creating the formula that makes the soap we know today. His recipe was 63% copra oil or a substitute, 9% soda ash or sea salt, and 28% water. This recipe became the basis of forming the Savon de Marseille soap that is world-famous today.

Sadly after World War II, production didn’t pick up, as more synthetic detergents and household soaps were being manufactured for a lower price. As a result of the decline in demand, as of 2000, there are only five soap producers left in Marseille.

Environmentally friendly

Although there are fewer producers of Savon de Marseille, the global demand still exists. With more understanding of the environment, we have become aware of our waters’ pollution. As a result, natural soaps like Savon de Marseille are becoming increasingly popular as an environmentally friendly option.

The French Soap Store has a variety of Savon de Marseille soaps, all are handmade with a minimum of 72% olive or vegetable oil, this iconic natural block of soap can be used to clean everything from stone floors to sensitive faces. Shop now>.

Written by Becca Marsh

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